Is Freedom Really Free?

I’ve seen the word Freedom a bazillion times over the past week due to the recent holiday. It got me thinking—Is freedom really free? I mean, somewhere along the line it cost someone, whether it be time, money, or possibly a life. Somebody paid for it.

So while I’m waving my sparkler and gawking at fireworks, there is a soldier in harm’s way, securing the very thing I’m enjoying—freedom. He or she is paying for it. Centuries ago Patriots spilled their blood purchasing our country from those who’d oppress it.

This opened my eyes.

Am I thankful? Do I even regard the sacrifice made for me?

I started thinking about this on a smaller scale in terms of my life. I’m a stay-at-home mama. I have the freedom to homeschool my daughter, but it costs my husband every day. In a way, he’s purchasing my freedom. Now, I realize I do a lot of work between schooling our daughter and keeping the home, but I’d never be able to do that without my husband going to work for us. Again, am I thankful? I’ve been endeavoring to show my gratitude more and more.

Lastly, I can’t end this post without talking about the Man who paid for my ultimate freedom—Jesus. He’d purchased my freedom from death’s grasp. Sin has no power over me. The enemy cannot oppress me. I can live in God’s fullness totally free. But Jesus paid an awful price. A sacrifice so brutal, so fierce that no words could capture its intensity.

So is Freedom really free? No, it’s a gift. Something to be valued and not taken for granted. Okay, what about you? Are you experiencing a freedom because of someone else’s sacrifice? Let me know in the comments below 🙂